May 10, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
Cary, NC – The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that Debinha has been named the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Most Valuable Player, presented by Budweiser. The honor marks the second straight tournament MVP nod for the midfielder, who set the record for goals in consecutive Cup matches this year with tallies in five straight games. NC Courage captain Abby Erceg and defender, Carson Pickett, were both named to the Challenge Cup All-Tournament Team.
Picking up where she left off from last year’s tournament, Debinha kicked off her scoring tear with the game-opening goal in a 2-2 draw between the Courage and the Washington Spirit on March 30. The Brazilian international converted once again the following weekend, notching the lone North Carolina goal in a 1-1 tie against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The midfielder then added an insurance goal on April 16 to secure a 4-2 win over the Orlando Pride and stretch her scoring streak to three games, before scoring a game-tying goal in another 2-2 draw with the Spirit on April 23.
Debinha capped off a five-game goal scoring run with the opening tally in a 2-1 semifinal victory over the Kansas City Current on May 4. She went on to add an assist in the tournament final against the Spirit last Saturday, helping the Courage to their first Challenge Cup crown.
Representing the Courage on the All-Tournament Team, Abby Erceg captained the Courage to its first NWSL Challenge Cup Championship, tallying 35 clearances, nine blocks and 20 interceptions. Carson Pickett, also receiving the post-tournament honors, played an integral part of North Carolina Challenge Cup championship run. Pickett enjoyed stellar numbers in both passing efficiency and success in the air and notched a pair of assists throughout the tournament.
The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup MVP and All-Tournament Team was selected by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the…
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